A series that brings experts around the table to discuss educational issues for our viewers while developing a community of learners that are informed and ready to take action to help our local students reach their full potential.

What it Takes… to Teach Is our education system stalled or even failing? University leaders discuss how colleges know who will make a great teacher and how teachers learn how to teach. They explore key skills for student teachers and the tools needed to work in America’s ever changing classrooms. The panel discusses recommendations for turning teacher education programs “upside down”.

What it Takes… to Graduate When students learn more, they earn more. School and business leaders discuss the economic and social impact of high school drop-outs; why they’re leaving; successful interventions; and offer community solutions to solve the problem. The panel breaks down the different paths to graduation, strategies for success and what each of us can do to help.

What it Takes... to End BullyingSticks and stones and names can hurt you. Bullying begins in pre-school, with half of all bullying going unreported to school officials or parents. Today, one in five students in an average classroom experiences bullying, and 160,000 children miss school every day, often feeling powerless. In this episode, a diverse panel of experts discusses this serious problem, the legal implications, cyber bullying and the long term impact for students. You’ll hear specific suggestions and tips for students, schools, parents and communities.

What it Takes... to End Bullying, part 2 Bullying panel discusses warning signs, parent strategies, and reacts to student comments about bullying in schools.

What it Takes... to End Cyber Bullying Bullying panel discusses Cyberbullying- What is it, spotting the warning signs, decoding teen text, sexting, privacy concerns, and what positive steps individuals, schools and communities can take to eliminate bullying.

What it Takes... Pre-School Readiness The panel, featuring Dr. Craig Ramey, a world-renowned child development researcher and developmental psychologist discusses pre-school readiness, the lifelong benefits of early educational programs and why early education provides an excellent return on investment. They explain factors affecting children’s health, including the development of intelligence, social competence, academic achievement and the importance of having every child entering kindergarten with the skills they need to be ready for school and ready for life.

What it Takes... Creating Excellent Schools Unravel the “how to” mystery of school improvement with the authors of “Standing in the Gap” These field experts have made a difference in classrooms across the country using a practical three step approach.

What it Takes... Green Schools A Green Ribbon Award winning school panel reveals how they won the prestigious national award. They share activities for students, best practices for reducing our environmental impact, how to develop community partnerships, and the lifelong benefits of creating an academic environmental education a program that improves our health and protects our earth.